The arrow is pointing to my dial indicator that I'll be using to see if my angle is set correctly. If not, then I'll adjust it.
 

I set my indicator to zero while the tip of my indicator is on the blue line of my chuck. Then I'll move my compound to the other line that is one inch away. I want my indicator to move a total of .052", which will give me my three degree taper.
 

Well how about that, my indicator moved the exact amount that I needed, so the angle is right where I want it. Now you might be thinking, that isn't on the number 52, it's on 48. Yes it is on number 48, but my indicator pointer was moving counterclockwise so it really moved .052".
 

The arrow is pointing to a pencil line that is 12" from the end where the spud is. This is where I want my three degree angle to tangent out to once I'm done machining. I also used a compass to draw a circle that is 3 3/4" diameter to use as a reference line at the spud end as well. This 3 3/4" diameter is what the top of the base needs to be once I'm done machining. Again, just a reference line.
 

This took about half and hour to machine and it made a huge mess. But I'm really happy with the results. To the left I'm using a part-off tool to cut almost all the way through. Now if I did cut the base off like this, it would fall or even worse, go flying so this is why I'm staying away.
 

You can see the rough area near the center that the handsaw left behind. No big deal because I can sand that away. Now that the base is to size (but not finished), it's time to work on another part.
 

I found a good area in my piece of alder to make part of the lighthouse that is near the top. This part will be the platform or observation deck (that you would walk on) and will surround the lantern room. This piece will be six inches in diameter and 1 1/4" thick when finished.